Guntur District | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

 History of Guntur District

• Guntur was governed by various renowned dynasties like the Satavahanas, Andhra Ikshvakus, Pallavas, and others throughout ancient and medieval eras.
• The historic battle of Palnadu, known as Palnati Yuddham, took place in Guntur district in 1180.
• In 1687, Guntur became a part of the Mughal empire under the rule of Emperor Aurangzeb, after the conquest of the Qutb Shahi sultanate of Golconda.
• Asaf Jah, the viceroy of the southern provinces, declared independence as the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1724.
• Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu (1783-1816) relocated his capital to Amaravati and was known for his benevolent rule and construction of numerous temples in the region.
• By 1788, Guntur came under the authority of the British East India Company and became a district of the Madras Presidency.
• Guntur played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement and the establishment of Andhra Pradesh.
• After India gained independence, the northern Telugu-speaking districts of Madras state, including Guntur, advocated for a separate state, leading to the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1953.

Historical Background

• Guntur District was established on October 1, 1904, with its headquarters in Guntur, following the division of Krishna and Nellore districts. Originally, there was a different 'Guntur District' with Guntur as the headquarters before 1859.
• In 1859, the district was abolished and its territories were divided between Machilipatnam and Rajahmundry districts, which were later renamed Krishna and Godavari.
• In 1904, Guntur district was reconstituted as an independent district, incorporating areas from the Talukas of Tenali, Bapatla, Guntur, Sattenapalli, Narasaraopet, Vinukonda, and Palnadu of the former Krishna district, along with Ongole Taluk from Nellore district.
• Tenali Taluk was divided into two taluks, Tenali and Repalle, on July 1, 1909. The district remained unchanged until February 1970.
• In February 1970, a new district was formed with Ongole as its headquarters. Portions of Bapatla and Narasaraopet taluks, along with the entire Ongole taluk, were transferred to Prakasam District, reducing Guntur district to eight taluks.
• From November 1, 1977, these eight taluks were reorganized into eleven taluks by elevating the sub-taluks of Mangalagiri, Ponnuru, and Macherla into full-fledged taluks, dividing the original taluks of Guntur, Bapatla, and Palnadu respectively.

Formation of Taluks and Mandals

• In 1980, Chilakaluripet taluk was created as the 12th taluk by taking parts from Narasaraopet and Guntur Taluks.
• Several taluks were further subdivided in 1981-1982 to form new taluks, bringing the total to 19 by the end of that period.
• In 1985, 57 Mandals were established to replace the former taluks and Firkhas, aiming to bring administration closer to the people.

Restructuring of New Districts

• According to Gazette No. 939 dated January 26, 2022, Guntur District was divided into three districts: Guntur (18 Mandals), Narasaraopet/Palnadu (28 Mandals), and Bapatla (25 Mandals).
• 12 Mandals from Tenali Division and 13 Mandals from Prakasam District were integrated into the Bapatla District.

Boundaries of the District

• The district is bordered by Krishna District to the North, Palnadu District to the West, Bapatla District to the South, and the Krishna River to the East.
• It is positioned between 16O-17'57.18" Northern Latitude and 80O-25'55.06" Eastern Longitude.

Demographic Information

• The district's population stands at 20,91,075 with a density of 856 per sq. km.
• The literacy rate is 74.15%, with urban population constituting 54.80% of the total population.

Land Utilization

• The district spans over 2,44,700 Hectares, with 919 Hectares covered by forests.
• The net sown area accounts for 1,55,973 Hectares, while the total cropped area is 2,19,548 Hectares.
• About 63,575 Hectares are sown more than once in a year.

Natural and Mineral Resources

• Sand deposits are found in Duggirala, Kollipara, and Tadepalli Mandals.
• Gravel resources exist in Medikonduru, Guntur, Kollipara, Tenali, Chebrolu, and Prathipadu.
• Stone crushing units are situated in Medikonduru, Phirangipuram, and Edlapadu Mandals.

Climate

• The district experiences an average rainfall of 846.9 M.M. annually, with a generally warm climate during summers.

Rivers

• The primary river in the region is the Krishna River, spanning approximately 86 K.Ms through the district.

Developmental Activities

Soils

• The fertile soils are predominantly classified as Black Cotton soil covering 74% and Red Loamy soil covering 26% of the area.

Crops

• Major crops include Paddy, Jowar, Maize, Bajra, Blackgram, Greengram, Bengalgram, Redgram, Cotton, Chillies, Turmeric, and Tobacco.

Irrigation

• The district's irrigation is facilitated by projects like the Prakasam Barrage and Nagarjuna Sagar Project, utilizing resources from the River Krishna, along with the Guntur Branch Canal (GBC) and various minor irrigation sources.

Education

• Acharya Nagarjuna University is situated in Pedakakani Mandal within Guntur District.
• Guntur District is home to three medical colleges, one in the government sector and two in the private sector.

Industry

• The district is renowned for its Cotton Zinning and Spinning mills.
• Nuzuveedu seeds limited (NSL Textiles) also operate within the district.

Chillies

• Guntur's red chilly is globally famous and is exported to various countries such as Asia, Canada, and Europe.
• Guntur stands out as the primary producer and exporter of various varieties of chillies and chilli powder from India.
• Chilli production contributes significantly to the horticulture sector, with Guntur being Asia's leading red chilli hub.
• While primary processing of chillies to powder form occurs in the district, there is potential for diversification into secondary processing like chilli flakes, sauce, and pickles.

Turmeric

• The MSME cluster in Duggirala comprises 26 micro firms primarily engaged in turmeric processing.
• The cluster's main products include processed turmeric and turmeric powder, essential ingredients in Ayurvedic and herbal products.
• There is ample opportunity to expand industries utilizing turmeric within the state.